Now that the energy core had been modified, the device would operate steadily once the outer framework was complete. All that remained was to wait a little longer.
Upon hearing the news, the people in the canyon quickened their already busy pace. With the finish line in sight, they began their final sprint.
Ivankov and Ginny had not abandoned their original plan either. To prevent any accidents during these final moments, they intended to seize the Devil Fruits being used as prizes while the pirates outside were storming in.
Before that, however, they had to join a new hunt. This time, the hunters and prey had switched places.
"Oran, why don't you get some rest? We can handle the rest."
Modifying the energy core was not physically demanding, but it took a tremendous amount of concentration. Kate was already fast asleep; she had reached her limit maintaining the stability of the electric field.
Although Oran looked as though nothing was wrong, Bear and the others were worried.
"My body is unusual. Going without sleep for a few days won't affect me. If I fall asleep now, I can't be sure when I'll wake up. Have you set up everything I gave you?"
"Yes, it's all in place."
Seeing how firm Oran was, Bear and the others said no more. Their brief time together had already given them some understanding of Oran's personality. Since persuading him once had not worked, there was no point trying again.
"Then there's no problem. We'll proceed according to the original plan. But before that, there are a few things I need to say."
Oran walked over to a protruding platform on the rock wall. Looking at the people still working frantically, he picked up a crude megaphone and said:
"I'm sure you all know by now that a Celestial Dragon is approaching this place.
"You've all been quite lucky. At least no one discovered this place over the past few days. But in the days before that, the Celestial Dragons trampled through your homeland, destroying your homes and slaughtering your friends and family, all for their own amusement!
"Being lucky today does not mean you'll be lucky in the future. I may have a way to get you out of here today, but who among you can guarantee that you won't face this again?
"Is resisting really that difficult?
"You already have nothing left, yet these people still want to take the only thing you have remaining—your lives. Even now, do you still not dare to risk everything just once?!
"They've already put a blade to your throats, and you still want to reason with them?!"
The people below temporarily stopped what they were doing, but no one responded. That was hardly surprising.
If a few shouted words could make people rise up and resist, the Celestial Dragons' rule would not have lasted this long.
Even if Oden's soul weapon were brought in, its effect would be greatly diminished.
As long as the Celestial Dragons still carried that halo around them, even if they were stranded on a deserted island, few would dare lay a hand on them.
"Of course, I'm not telling you to attack the Red Line Continent. That would be suicide. But if an opportunity is handed to you and you still refuse to act, then that is nothing but cowardice. Right now, a murderer is outside!
"Who is willing to take revenge?!"
Most remained silent, but this time, a scattered few stepped forward. Most had once been slaves, while a handful were locals whose relatives had died outside. Compared to the total number of people, they were few indeed, but this was a beginning.
As long as the myth of the Celestial Dragons was shattered, their blood would nourish the seeds, and sooner or later, they would take root and sprout.
"R-Report to Saint Elatin! Saint Gringo has ordered everyone to return to the base immediately. This game has been suspended for now."
"That Gringo... does he really think he's the leader? A member of the Figarland family thinks he can order me around? If I had run for election too, that position would have been mine."
A man in a black suit, dressed like an agent, knelt before a masked figure while holding a jewel-encrusted Den Den Mushi. His tone was filled with respect.
Several others dressed the same way stood nearby, but there was no sign of the Marines. This was a Celestial Dragon hunt; they only needed scorekeepers and obedient hunting dogs to find prey for them.
Even if the Marines wanted to be their dogs, they might not qualify.
"Saint Elatin, they said on the Den Den Mushi that pirates are approaching this place, so..."
The agent did not respond to Elatin's words. What Celestial Dragons said among themselves was one thing; if he dared interrupt, he might be executed on the spot.
"A bunch of useless trash. Are those Marines paid to eat for free? They can't even handle something this minor. What use are they?!"
"You're right, Saint Elatin. Then shall we..."
"Finish searching this area, then return immediately. I'm still a little short on points. Could Gringo be afraid I'll surpass him, so he's doing this on purpose?
"You useless fools, stop standing around! Go find my prey! Remember, none of you are allowed to touch my prey. Otherwise, I'll have every last one of you executed!"
"Yes!"
Though Elatin refused to accept it verbally, he still prepared to return in accordance with Gringo's orders. Even among the Celestial Dragons, there were differences in status, and Gringo was undoubtedly the leader now.
Complaining was fine, but if he disregarded Gringo outright, Elatin would be punished by the Celestial Dragons as well.
Elatin had not encountered any high-scoring prey these past few days, which had put him in a foul mood. If his score was too low, his family would laugh at him when he returned.
Just as he was thinking about that, the goddess of fortune seemed to smile upon him.
"Saint Elatin! We've made a major discovery—it's that SR-ranked Buccaneer Tribe slave!"
Bear was still willingly acting as bait. The Celestial Dragons' classification of him made him the easiest target to draw their attention.
"Chase him! If you lose him, I'll use your head to make up the difference!"
Ordinary people believed the Celestial Dragons could not be resisted. Likewise, the Celestial Dragons possessed an absolute confidence that no one would dare resist them. Elatin had never considered that someone might set a trap specifically for Celestial Dragons on this island.
To him, Bear was merely a fleeing rabbit worth ten thousand points.
Using his familiarity with the terrain, Bear quickly led them into a nearby canyon. Elatin followed close behind under the guidance of his loyal hunting dogs.
Seeing Bear standing motionless at the dead end, Elatin thought he had nowhere left to run.
"Brat, stop running. Let me kill you cleanly, and you'll suffer a little less."
Because a one-hit kill awarded bonus points, Elatin had no intention of torturing Bear. Yet Bear ignored him, turned around, and vanished from sight once more.
This time, Elatin did not need to give any orders. The agents beside him immediately rushed forward in pursuit, unaware that mechanical lotuses had silently bloomed amid the fallen leaves beneath their feet.
Crack!
One agent stepped on a lotus. As the trigger activated, the spread petals snapped shut like a bear trap, locking him firmly in place. At the root of the lotus, purple energy began to gather...
Before you continue